A Way Home America’s Statement on Recent Presidential Executive Orders

In the Face of the Intentional Chaos Created by Recent Presidential Actions, We Stand Firm: Advancing Housing Justice for All Youth, No Matter the Odds.

At A Way Home America, our mission is to transform systems through public policy to prevent and end homelessness for Black, Indigenous, youth of color, and LGBTQIA+ youth, on a path to housing justice for all. In light of the recent executive orders issued by the current administration, we remain dedicated to advancing equitable solutions that safeguard the rights and dignity of the young people we serve.

The recent onslaught of executive orders—reminiscent of the plans laid out in Project 2025—can be concerning and intimidating. But this is, in fact, their purpose. As described in The Leadership Conference on Civil and Human Rights article, Chaos, Confusion, & Abuse of Power: Trump’s First Week Back in Office, these actions appear designed to overwhelm the public, test the limits of executive power, and create fatigue and hypernormalization. Hypernormalization is loosely defined as the acceptance of a nonsensical reality by the general public. These executive orders (EOs)—also known as presidential actions—are absolutely examples of an attempt at creating a nonsensical and ridiculous reality. The strategies of these EOs risk diverting attention from critical issues that directly impact vulnerable populations, including youth experiencing homelessness.

While the executive orders span a wide range of policy areas—immigration, employment, education, technology, justice reform, and civil rights—their sum total effect threatens to undermine progress toward a more equitable and inclusive society. Of particular concern are actions that target diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) programs, redefine sex and gender protections, and weaken safeguards for marginalized communities. These measures could exacerbate systemic inequities, disproportionately affecting Black, Indigenous, youth of color, and LGBTQIA+ youth who are already overrepresented in the homelessness crisis.

Youth Homelessness is NOT a partisan issue; it is a human issue. The young people we serve face daily challenges to their safety, stability, and well-being. Policies and executive orders that roll-back protections, feed division, or create confusion in public systems only deepen these challenges. We cannot afford to normalize actions that undermine the rights and dignity of any individual or community.

A Way Home America remains committed to upholding our mission and working in coalition with other organizations in the homelessness movement. We know the fight is far from over, and together with our supporters and partners, we will continue to advocate for and transform public policies that address the root causes of youth homelessness and ensure that all young people have access to safe, stable, and affirming housing.

In these challenging times, we must lean on the long legacy of resilience and strength given to us by the revolutionaries of the Black, queer, and Indigenous movements—among others. Their courage and determination remind us that progress is possible, even in the face of adversity.

Though the strategies of the EOs are designed to overwhelm us, we MUST stay vigilant and engaged. The current political climate demands that we stay informed, resist fatigue, and—most importantly—hold leaders leadership accountable to the ethics and principles of equity, justice, and fairness. With your support, we will continue to transform public policy in ways that protect the rights and dignities of those we serve.

Now, more than ever, we must stand united to ensure that every young person has a safe and affirming place to call home.

The A Way Home America Team

For a comprehensive list of presidential actions, EOs, and related legislation to date, visit www.whitehouse.gov/presidential-actions/